Hogan welcomes Matthews, Stewart and step-dancers to Emerald Boxcar

Published on July 15, 2014

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Courtney Hogan relaxing at her home in Emerald.Submitted photo

EMERALD – Courtney Hogan’s popular new Ceilidhs at the Emerald Boxcar Pub & Grill continue this week as she welcomes singers Jon Matthews and Norman Stewart to the stage, along with dancers Cameron Francis and Juliette Roberts.

Prince Edward Island’s “red headed” fiddler has been entertaining audiences since the age of 11 with her unique blend of traditional and Celtic fiddle music. With a busy full-time schedule as a fourth year veterinary student at the Atlantic Veterinary College, Hogan is excited to be able to change gears and have some kitchen-party ceilidh fun Friday evenings at the Emerald Boxcar, just down the road from her farmhouse in Emerald.

“We’ve had such great community support so far and it’s so much fun to be able to play in such a great venue close to home,” says Hogan.

And she’s bringing the finest of music talent along with her, including this week’s guests Matthews and Stewart.

Few people on the Prince Edward Island music scene could claim to be any busier than Matthews. A native Cape Bretoner who moved to P.E.I. in 2002, he has carved out a full-time career in music by wearing a number of different hats: singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer and broadcaster. With two solo albums to his credit, Matthews’ songs have won him accolades both globally and in his chosen home province. For almost 15 years, Matthews has been cultivating his fan base on stage in pubs, theatres and festivals all over the country, including national and regional television appearances.

Treble with Girls lead singer Norman Stewart will be making his first stop to the Emerald Boxcar with his foot-stomping, hand-clapping repertoire of songs. His strong voice, mixed with his guitar talent and contagious chuckle is always a recipe for a fun time.

“Sometimes I focus so hard on trying to play my best for an audience, I forget to relax and just play,” says Hogan. “But when you’re on stage with Norman, you can’t help but just sit back, have a good laugh and let the music go. He’s so much fun to play with.”

To round out Friday night’s show, Hogan has invited two P.E.I. step-dancers, Francis, and Newton’s, Juliette Roberts. They have both performed in Summerside’s “Highland Storm” production, P.E.I. Young Company, along with major roles in several events during the recent Festival of Small Halls.

The Ceilidh starts Friday, July 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emerald Community Centre. Admission is $10 at the door at the air-conditioned and licensed facility. A full listing of upcoming shows and guests are available at www.courtneyhogan.com.